Resources > Computing Skills

There is lots of useful free information for Grandcarers, but much of it is available on the Internet. If your computer skills are a little rusty, or non-existent, here are some places to go for help:

First Click - is a government funded training scheme designed to teach basic computer literacy skills, including how to operate a computer and how to use the Internet and email. The site provides a link to a searchable directory of service providers, and also provides documents and downloads for people who want to experiment with computers and the internet in their own time.
seniors.gov.au - provides an introduction to computers, as well as a number of sections that explain how the Internet can help you get things done, and how you can use it to learn and explore topics of interest. The section headings are listed below:

Connecting to the Internet
Connecting with computers
Downloading files from the Internet
Introduction to computers
Spam and how to avoid it
What is the Internet?

Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) - is the national peak body for seniors and technology. The site provides a list of member and non-member seniors computer clubs across Australia.
Public Library Resources and Services for Seniors - many public libraries offer a range of services for seniors including access to computers to type letters or documents and opportunities to learn to use the Internet. This gateway website provides a searchable directory of libraries and list of key resources for seniors, including a list of websites for seniors.
TAFEWA and Community College - many short computing skills training programs are offered through TAFE, however, they are not always appropriate for seniors who are out of practice in the classroom environment. This is because these programs tend to have a set time frame and curriculum, so they are not very good at catering for the senior who is not able to cope with the speed of the presentation. Because of this we suggest you look for computing skills course titled “Computing for Total Novices - Mature & Seniors”, or something similar.
Other useful and interesting links (reproduced from Seniors Card NSW)

Computer Help

GreyPath Computer Help
Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101

Research

Research into Older People and the Internet (OPTI)

Search Engines

Google
Yahoo
Altavista
Anzwers
Babel Fish Translation (translates phrases and words into different languages)
Excite
Web Crawler
Web Wombat
White Pages Australia
Yellow Pages Australia